Liberators Take On the Pirates

Published 7:46 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Bolivar Football hosted the Branson Pirates on Friday, Oct. 9. Bolivar came into the matchup with a 4-2 record, with the Pirates starting 5-1. This Ozark Mountain Conference matchup had big implications for conference standings, as Branson was looking to pass Logan-Rogersville for first place.

For Bolivar, district competition starts in two weeks, and they were looking to polish their game against a larger school and solid opponent.

So far this season, seniors Hunter Kozlowski and Will Niven are top 15 in Southwest Missouri with two interceptions on the season. Senior Knox Wolhoy currently leads Southwest Missouri in total tackles with 84. Sophomore Kolt Hill is in ninth place with 65.

The Liberators marched down the field on their first drive, following a kick return from Sophomore Shaqir McCoy to the 40 yard line. The 11 play drive was stalled when the Pirates blocked the field goal attempt from Senior kicker Colton Ingold.

Branson senior Blake Weber fought in for a touchdown on the ensuing drive, giving the Pirates a 7-0 lead with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Branson tacked on two more rushing touchdowns in the second quarter, extending their lead to 21-0.

Bolivar needed a score to end the half, and McCoy delivered. McCoy took a five-yard comeback route 65 yards down the sideline for the Liberators first touchdown of the game, making the score 7-21.

But McCoy was not done there.

Bolivar drove down to the opponents side of the field, but penalties and missed blocks pushed them back to a fourth down. With two minutes left in the half, senior quarterback Chapel Banner fired a streak pass to McCoy for a 32 yard touchdown and their second connection of the game for a score. Bolivar shortened the lead again to 14-21, giving the Liberators some life.

Branson responded by breaking off a 60 yard run into the red zone with time running out in the second half. This set up a touchdown run from Branson senior Vicente Pastrana, extending the Pirates lead to 28-14 heading into the second half.

Branson took a pitch on a triple option play for 65 yards and a touchdown on the second play of the second half, bringing the score to 35-14.

A quick turnover on downs for the Liberators and another steady ground attack from the Pirates gave Branson another touchdown, extending their lead to 42-14.

The Liberators were able to add another touchdown late in the third quarter, driving down the field and punching in a rushing touchdown on the goal line. Banner finished the drive, giving him his first rushing touchdown and third total touchdown of the night.

Branson scored once more, making the final score 49-21.

Banner finished the game with two touchdown passes with 12 completions on 25 passes for a total of 181 yards in the air. Senior Paden Yates had seven catches for 61 yards. McCoy finished with two catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Banner had 19 rushes for 92 yards, and sophomore Dakota Spiegel had four carries for 14 yards.

This loss brings the Liberator record to 4-3. Bolivar will travel to Carl Junction on Friday, Oct. 16 for a district matchup.